Natural Regeneration
Trees and regeneration in rubber agroforests and other forest-derived vegetation in Jambi (Sumatra, Indonesia)backgroundRubber agroforests (RAF) in Sumatra, introduced in the early 1900s, represent a managed forest type that is an intermediate ecosystem between natural forest and agricultural land. While understory vegetation and some trees are allowed to remain in RAF, as agriculturally managed forests, they may differ from unmanaged forests. This study compares forest regeneration in RAF and secondary forests. Open access copy available |
Seed Dispersal and Potential Forest Succession in Abandoned Agriculture in Tropical AfricaBackgroundForest succession on disturbed and post-agrarian lands is often slow because the resources necessary for succession – such as soil nutrients, seeds, and moisture – are depleted. In such areas, succession may depend on bat- and bird-dispersed seeds arriving from distant forest patches. Open access copy available |
Seed inputs to microsite patch recovery on two tropandean landslides in EcuadorBackgroundRegeneration of landslides is typically initiated by seed rain. This study reports on seed rain, seed pool, and plant cover on two Ecuadorian landslides. Open access copy available |
Vegetation recovery on earthquake-triggered landslide sites in the Ecuadorian AndesBackgroundIn this study, researchers surveyed vegetation in a landslide on the Quijos river in Ecuador and inventoried species distribution at distances along the landslide. Conclusions & TakeawaysThe authors found that species composition at the upper limit of the landslide is most similar to the plant composition of the forest, indicating that the forest is an important pool of colonizers. The authors suggest that earthquake landslides are common and an important contributor to floristic diversity Available with subscription or purchase |
Colonization of Non-Planted Mangrove Species into Restored Mangrove Stands in Gazi Bay, KenyaBackgroundAs mangroves are being recognized as some of the world’s most productive ecosystems, restoration efforts are being undertaken around the world. Not all projects are successful, however. This study will potentially help mangrove restoration practitioners with species selection. Available with subscription or purchase |
Influence of species richness and environmental context on early survival of replanted mangroves at Gazi bay, KenyaBackgroundMangrove restoration is often unsuccessful, thus this study involves long-term large-scale experiments measuring a range of ecosystem functions in replanted mangrove stands in Ghazi in Kenya funded by Earthwatch. Open access copy available |
Consequences of plantation harvest during tropical forest restoration in UgandaBackgroundTimber plantations have recently received considerable attention as a forest restoration strategy for heavily degraded lands in the humid tropics. Plantations can facilitate secondary forest regrowth by providing an understory environment more favorable for native plant recruitment than unmanaged degraded habitats. This study explores how using plantations as a restoration tool affects forest succession; how initial floristics affect successional pathways; and the effect of fire exclusion or other interventions. Open access copy available |
Cronología de la regeneración del bosque tropical seco en Santa Rosa, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. I. Características edáficas (Chronology of tropical dry forest regeneration in Santa Rosa, Guanacaste, Costa Rica)EspañolantecedentesEl objetivo del presente estudio es caracterizar las propiedades químicas y físicas de los suelos a lo largo de una cronosecuencia de ocho fragmentos de bosque tropical estacionalmente seco en Santa Rosa, Costa Rica. Open access copy available |
Seed Dispersal Distances and Plant Migration Potential in Tropical East AsiaBackgroundMost predictions of vegetation responses to anthropogenic climate change over the next century are based on plant physiological tolerances and do not account for the ability of plant species to migrate over the distances required in the time available, or the impact of habitat fragmentation on this ability. This review assesses the maximum routine dispersal distances achievable in tropical East Asia and their vulnerability to human impacts. Available with subscription or purchase |
Helping Forests to Help Themselves—Accelerating Natural RegenerationbackgroundThis chapter walks through the basic techniques of accelerated (or assisted) natural regeneration (ANR), describing when it is appropriate, when it should be combined with other techniques, how to increase the seed rain, and areas of needed research. Open access copy available |
